2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 2500 / 3500

Burly or luxuriousyou can have this Ram any way you want it.

Dodge is introducing its 2010 Dodge Ram heavy duty at the Chicago auto show. Like all full-size trucks, the new heavy-duty Ram is available in an array of combinations that ensures the only way for buyers to get exactly what they want is to special order the truck. Two payload ratings, three cabs (regular, crew, and Mega), two box lengths (6’4” and 8’), five trim levels (SL, SLT, TRX, Laramie, and Power Wagon), two engines (gas V-8 or monster diesel inline-six), three transmissions, single or dual rear wheels, and manual or electric transfer cases are offered.

Simple math puts the number of different combos at 1440, but that’s assuming each option is available with every other, and that’s not the case. For example, only the diesel is available on 3500-series trucks, so opting for the Hemi V-8 means you get a 2500 and can’t get dual rear wheels. Fascists!

Styling remains close to that of the newly introduced 2009 light-duty truck. The hood is taller and flatter and pulls the grille up higher, while a restyled front bumper sits below.

Torque with a Capital T. And a Capital ORQUE

The redesigned 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 produces 383 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque in this HD application, 7 hp and 7 lb-ft fewer than in the Ram 1500. The V-8 is the only available engine in the 2500-series Ram and is coupled exclusively to a five-speed automatic.

Also familiar is the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel inline-six. Producing the same 350 hp and 650 lb-ft as in the outgoing truck, the Cummins can be paired with either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. Although the power output is unchanged, the Cummins does boast the first engine-exhaust brake to be factory offered in this segment.

Outfitted with the diesel, the 2010 Ram 3500 is capable of hauling up to 5110 pounds in the bed or towing a maximum of 18,500. To slow such massive loads, 14.2-inch front and 14.1-inch rear brakes are standard, while an integrated trailer-brake controller is optional. Also, Dodge’s flip-up trailer mirrors are standard on the 3500, measuring a Samsung-like 7 by 11 inches.

Power is a Luxury, but so is Luxury

For those who expect their trucks to work hard and coddle harder, the Ram’s interior can be outfitted as opulently as any other Dodge’s. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a 30-gig hard-drive for music, a 10-speaker surround-sound system, Sirius backseat TV, and memory settings for the seats, radio, and mirrors are available.

And if your true luxury is solitude—or if the “it all” you need to get away from includes some particularly dogged loan sharks—Dodge again offers the off-road-oriented Power Wagon, complete with electronic locking front and rear differentials, an electronically disconnecting anti-roll bar, Bilstein shock absorbers, 32-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, and skidplates protecting low-hanging mechanicals. Should the trail get too rough, there’s a 12,000-pound Warn winch waiting in the front bumper to jerk the Ram free.

Heavy-duty buyers can get into the new Ram in fall of 2009. Expect base pricing to remain at current levels, about $29,000 for a 2500 and $35,000 for a 3500.

Ditch the Bed and Get Serious

At the same time the general population is taking its first gander at the heavy-duty Ram, the commercial market will get a look at the new Ram chassis/cab. Available in 3500, 4500, and 5500 trims, the Ram chassis cab will offer the same engines—although the Cummins is inexplicably down to 305 hp and 610 lb-ft—and transmissions, and even the same optional luxury trappings inside. Power take-off capability to run job-site equipment and attachments will be optional.

Model Research

*AccuPayment estimates payments under various scenarios for budgeting and informational purposes only. AccuPayment does not state credit or lease terms that are available from a creditor or lessor, and AccuPayment is not an offer or promotion of a credit or lease transaction.